Briefly discusses categories of software support services--no support, direct help from software dealers, and assistance offered by software publishers--and provides general guidelines for their efficient use. (MBR)

Two approaches to computer use instruction are applications (use of specific application software) and problem solving (developing thinking skills oriented toward using computers to solve problems). (SK)

Expert systems have made remarkable progress in areas where the knowledge of an expert can be codified and represented, and these systems have many potentially useful applications in education. Expert systems seem "intelligent" because they do not simply repeat a set of predetermined questions during a consultation session, but will have…

Since LOGO was introduced at a 1981 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference, this computer language has spread through the schools and spawned Young People's LOGO Association groups throughout the United States and Canada. Teaching LOGO like other languages might alienate youngsters already at home with computer technology. (MLH)

In order for microcomputers to be used in an efficient and effective manner in the classroom, the computer should not be used in trivial ways, such as utilizing it as an electronic ditto sheet or as a video textbook. Educators must take advantage of the computer's unique capabilities, including its branching capacity, its graphic mode, and its…

Describes the application of case analysis to a learner-centered microcomputer-based instructional model. Topics discussed include the use of computer-based case analysis with adult students; case planning; and two sample cases, one a decision-making model and one a technical model. (21 references) (LRW)

While microcomputers may be easy to acquire and put into use, advance consideration of some pertinent issues will ensure that they are used successfully for planning and management support. (Author/MLW)

Microcomputer technology is direct, personal, and well suited for the task of decision support. Learning to use it constructively and effectively to improve higher education management is the challenge of the immediate future. (Author/MLW)

Advocates using an end-user approach to microcomputers in production/operations management. This approach requires the student to design and create spreadsheet models to solve problems, enhancing subject area knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving and computer skills. (SK)

Describes the possible roles of an automation librarian working with microcomputer-based applications. Topics discussed include developing original applications; troubleshooting; software evaluation; hardware and software monitoring, maintenance, and upgrading; data protection; staff training; system documentation; negotiation and communication;…

Critically evaluates the assumption that microcomputer-based instruction can be used to teach generalizable thinking and problem solving skills. Transference of problem solving skills across domains is discussed, and strategies to promote problem solving abilities are examined, including computer assisted instruction and learning programing…

The changing nature of educational technology in our society provides elementary school teachers and other educators with numerous challenges and problems for the elementary school curriculum. One such challenge is to teach students how to solve problems and utilize the general education they acquire to arrive at realistic solutions. Elementary…

Computers have the power to make drastic changes in modern life and in education particularly. It is uncertain, however, how smoothly computers can be integrated into society and into the schools. The speed of the growth of computer technology is often referred to as a revolution, with a constantly increasing ability to store and recall…

Suggests decision making techniques that can be used to estimate the consequences of choosing alternative courses of action, to select an optimum strategy, or to determine how sensitive predicted outcomes are to particular assumptions. Microcomputer use, quantitative techniques, and examples involving item reordering and adoption of word…

Expert systems are computer programs that solve selected problems by modelling domain-specific behaviors of human experts. These computer programs typically consist of an input/output system that feeds data into the computer and retrieves advice, an inference system using the reasoning and heuristic processes of human experts, and a knowledge…